Bevel Locking System for a Sliding Compound Miter Saw

ABSTRACT

A compound miter saw includes a table on which a workpiece is placed, a miter saw unit supporting a saw blade, and a housing pivotally supporting the miter saw unit related to the table in such a manner that the miter saw unit is at least laterally pivotable. Further, the miter saw includes a bevel mechanism for selectively determining the lateral position of the miter saw unit at any of a plurality of pivoted positions, including a vertical position where the saw blade is positioned substantially vertically relative to the table, and leftward and rightward pivoted positions where the blade is inclined laterally leftwardly and laterally rightwardly from the vertical position. The bevel mechanism includes a movable rod and three fixed stop members, the rod being operable to move between a first rod position abutting one of the fixed stop members and a second rod position not abutting the one of the fixed stop members so as to permit the lateral pivotal movement of the miter saw unit. The first fixed stop member is disposed so that the rod abuts the first fixed stop member when the miter saw unit is at the vertical position. Similarly, the second fixed stop member is disposed so that the rod abuts the second fixed stop member when the miter saw unit is leftwardly pivoted at a first predetermined angle from the vertical position. Further, the third fixed stop member is disposed so that the rod abuts the third fixed stop member when the miter saw unit is rightwardly pivoted at a second predetermined angle from the vertical position.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/761/730,filed Dec. 5, 1996.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compound miter saws or other poweroperated equipment or machinery utilizing a cutter for performingworking operations on a workpiece. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to improvements in the bevel stop mechanism for thebevel adjustment for such power operated equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Saws and other apparatuses designed for cutting or performing otherworking operations on a workpiece typically require adjustmentmechanisms for moving the saw blade or cutting tool into an angularrelationship to the workpiece. Examples of such equipment includecross-cut compound miter saws which are adapted for allowing the user toselectively move the saw blade into any of a number of positions ormodes for square cutting, miter cutting, bevel cutting, or compoundmiter cutting where a combination miter angle and bevel angle are cut.In addition, some operations, such as dado cutting or shapingoperations, for example, require the use of saw blades or other cuttingor working devices of different shapes or sizes to be substituted forone another in order to perform the desired operation on the workpiece,whether the workpiece is composed of wood, plastic, metal othermaterials.

In order to allow for the adjustment in the miter and the bevel angle,the saw blade, cutter or other working device is angularly adjustablewith respect to a horizontal base and a vertical fence against which theworkpiece is positioned. The miter adjustment allows the saw blade,cutter or other working device to move angularly with respect to thevertical fence while maintaining perpendicularity with the horizontalbase. The bevel adjustment allows the saw blade, cutter or other workingdevice to move angularly with respect to the horizontal base whilemaintaining perpendicularity with the vertical fence. At times it may bedesirable to cut a combination miter angle and bevel angle bysimultaneously adjusting the angularity of the blade with respect toboth the horizontal base and the vertical fence.

Once the saw blade, cutter or other working device has been adjusted tothe desired position with respect to the horizontal base and thevertical fence, locking mechanisms for the miter and bevel adjustmentmust be activated in order to prohibit movement of the saw blade, cutteror other working device with respect to the base and fence while thecutting operation is performed. These locking mechanisms need to beeasily activated, adjustable and quick acting in order to optimize theefficiency of the cutting apparatus and provide convenience to theoperator of the apparatus.

It is also advantageous to provide bevel stop mechanisms so thatoperators can change and easily locate common bevel angles. These bevelstop mechanisms need to be easily engaged and disengaged, adjustable andquick acting in order to optimize the efficiency of the cuttingapparatus and provide convenience to the operator of the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an improved bevel stop isemployed in a miter saw. The miter saw includes a table on which aworkpiece is placed, a miter saw unit supporting a saw blade and havinga motor for rotatably driving the saw blade, and a housing pivotallysupporting the miter saw unit related to the table in such a manner thatthe miter saw unit is at least laterally pivotable. Further, the mitersaw includes a bevel mechanism for selectively determining the lateralposition of the miter saw unit at any of a plurality of pivotedpositions including a vertical position where the saw blade ispositioned substantially vertically relative to the table, and leftwardand rightward pivoted positions where the blade is inclined laterallyleftwardly and laterally rightwardly from the vertical position.

The bevel mechanism includes a movable rod and three fixed stop members,the rod being operable to move between a first rod position abutting oneof the fixed stop members and a second rod position not abutting the oneof the fixed stop members so as to permit the lateral pivotal movementof the miter saw unit. The first fixed stop member is disposed so thatthe rod abuts the first fixed stop member when the miter saw unit is atthe vertical position. Similarly, the second fixed stop member isdisposed so that the rod abuts the second fixed stop member when themiter saw unit is leftwardly pivoted at a first predetermined angle fromthe vertical position. Further, the third fixed stop member is disposedso that the rod abuts the third fixed stop member when the miter sawunit is rightwardly pivoted at a second predetermined angle from thevertical position.

Other advantages and objects of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the subsequent detaileddescription, appended claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplatedfor carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sliding compound miter saw inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the sliding compound miter sawshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the sliding compound miter sawshown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the sliding compound miter sawshown in FIGS. 1 through 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of thebevel stop mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view, partially in cross-section ofthe first embodiment of the bevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the first embodiment of thebevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the base or table assembly illustrating a firstembodiment of the adjustment feature provided for the bevel stopmechanism shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the base or table assembly illustrating asecond embodiment of the adjustment feature provided for the bevel stopmechanism shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the base or table assembly illustrating athird embodiment of the adjustment feature provided for the bevel stopmechanism shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-section perspective view of a secondembodiment of the bevel stop mechanism;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the second embodiment of thebevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-section perspective view of a thirdembodiment of the bevel stop mechanism;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the third embodiment of thebevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-section perspective view of a fourthembodiment of the bevel stop mechanism;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the fourth embodiment of thebevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-section perspective view of a fifthembodiment of the bevel stop mechanism;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of the fifth embodiment of thebevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an end view of the base or table assembly illustrating theadjustment feature provided for the bevel stop mechanism shown in FIGS.17 and 18;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-section perspective view of a sixthembodiment of the bevel stop mechanism;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of the sixth embodiment of thebevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a partial cross-section perspective view of a seventhembodiment of the bevel stop mechanism;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional side view of the seventh embodiment of thebevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-section perspective view of an eighth secondembodiment of the bevel stop mechanism;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of the eighth embodiment of thebevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an end view of the base or table assembly illustrating aninth embodiment of the bevel stop mechanism;

FIG. 27 is an exploded side view of the pin assembly used in the ninthembodiment of the bevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the pin assembly used in theninth embodiment of the bevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the pin assembly used in the ninth embodimentof the bevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 26, where FIG. 29 a shows thepin assembly in the expanded position and FIG. 29 b shows the pinassembly in the retracted position;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of the rod assembly used inconjunction with the ninth embodiment of the bevel stop mechanism shownin FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 is a partial cross-section perspective view of a tenthembodiment of the bevel stop mechanism;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional side view of the tenth embodiment of thebevel stop mechanism shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the tenth embodiment of the bevelstop mechanism shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, along a line D-D shown in FIG.32;

FIG. 34 is a partial cross-section perspective view of a eleventhembodiment of the bevel stop mechanism;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side view of the eleventh embodiment of thebevel top mechanism shown in FIG. 34; and

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the tenth embodiment of the bevelstop mechanism shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, along a line E-E shown in FIG.35

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numerals designatelike or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shownin FIGS. 1 through 4 an exemplary sliding compound miter sawincorporating a bevel stop mechanism according to the present invention,shown merely for the purposes of illustration, and designated generallyby the reference numeral 10. One skilled in the art will readilyrecognize from the following description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings and claims, that the principles of the presentinvention are equally applicable to sliding compound miter saws,compound miter saws, chop saws, radial arm saws, table saws, jigsaws,scroll saws, or other saws of types other than that shown for purposesof illustration in the drawings. Similarly, one skilled in the art willreadily recognize that the principles of the bevel stop mechanismaccording to the present invention are also applicable to other types ofpowered or unpowered equipment for performing an operation on aworkpiece. Such equipment includes, but is not limited to, dado saws,spindle shapers or sanders, or other types of powered or unpowereddevices that would benefit from the cam locking mechanism of the presentinvention.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1 through 4, sliding compound miter saw 10comprises a base assembly 12, a table assembly 14, a unique housingassembly 16, a saw blade 18, a blade guard 20, a motor 22 drivinglyconnected to saw blade 18, a handle 24 and a fence assembly 26. Tableassembly 14 is secured to base assembly 12 such that it can be rotatedin order to provide adjustment for miter cutting. The rotation of tableassembly 14 changes the angle of saw blade 18 relative to fence assembly26 but maintains the perpendicularity of saw blade 18 with tableassembly 14. A locking mechanism 28 can be activated in order to locktable assembly 14 to base assembly 12.

Housing assembly 16 is secured to table assembly 14 such that it can bepivoted with respect to table assembly 14 in order to provide adjustmentfor bevel cutting. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, theadjustments for mitering and beveling can be separate or they can beadjusted simultaneously in order to provide a compound miter and bevelcut. The pivoting of housing assembly 16 changes the angle of saw blade18 relative to table assembly 14 but maintains the perpendicularity ofsaw blade 18 with respect fence assembly 26. A locking mechanism 30 canbe activated in order to lock housing assembly 16 to table assembly 14at any desired bevel angle.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, housing assembly 16 includes supporthousing 32, which mounts a pair of support arms 34 for sliding movementwith respect to housing 32. Saw blade 18, blade guard 20, motor 22 andhandle 24 are all mounted to a drive housing 36 which is pivotablysecured to support arms 34. The pivoting of drive housing 36 downwardtowards table assembly 14 operates to open blade guard 20 and cut aworkpiece which is supported by table assembly 14 and fence assembly 26.The sliding movement of support arm 34 relative to housing 32 permitsdrive housing 36 and thus saw blade 18 to be pulled through theworkpiece when the size of the workpiece exceeds the cutting width ofsaw blade 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, support housing 32 is pivotablysupported with respect to table assembly 14 on a steel shaft 40 which issecured to table assembly 14 and extends rearwardly from table assembly14 to define a pivot axis 42 for support housing 32. Shaft 40 isinserted into a complimentary bore 44 located within table assembly 14and is secured in place using a cross pin 46 which extends through abore 47 extending through shaft 40 and a corresponding set of bores 48located within table assembly 14 and being generally perpendicular toand extending into bore 44. The end of shaft 40 opposite to the enddefining bore 46 includes a threaded stub 50 for retaining and adjustinglocking mechanism 30 as will be described later herein.

Locking mechanism 30 comprises a cam 52, a handle 54, a thrust bearing55, a plurality of washers 56 and a locknut 58. Once support housing 32is slidingly and pivotably received on shaft 40, cam 52 is slidinglypositioned on shaft 40 adjacent support housing 32. Cam 52 includes aD-shaped through bore 60 which mates with a corresponding D-shapedportion 62 of shaft 40 such that cam 52 is allowed to move axially alongportion 62 of shaft 40 but rotation of cam 52 with respect to shaft 40is prohibited. Cam 52 further includes an angular camming surface 64having a plurality of ramps which is located on the radial surface ofcam 52 which is opposite to support housing 32. Camming surface 64 isdesigned to mate with handle 54 as will be described later herein.

Handle 54 is slidingly and rotatably positioned on shaft 40 adjacent toand outboard of cam 52. Handle 54 includes an angular camming surface 66having a plurality of ramps which mates with angular camming surface 64on cam 52. Support housing 32, cam 52 and handle 54 are retained onshaft 40 by thrust washer 55, the plurality of washers 56 and locknut 58which is threadingly received on stub 50 of shaft 40.

When angular camming surface 64 and angular camming surface 66 are infull contact with each other as shown in FIG. 7, support housing 32 isfree to pivot on shaft 40 to change the bevel angle of saw blade 18.Once the desired bevel angle has been set, handle 54 is rotated withrespect to shaft 40. Rotation of handle 54 mis-aligns camming surfaces64 and 66 pushing support housing 32 and cam 52 axially along shaft 40.Support housing 32 contacts table assembly 14 and continued rotation ofhandle 54 forces support housing 32 into table assembly 14 locking thetwo components together The locking of the two components together canbe accomplished by rotating handle 54 in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction on order to misalign camming surfaces 64 and 66.This bi-directional locking ability of handle 54 simplifies theadjustment of the bevel angle on opposite sides of center. An indicatorplate 68 is bolted to support housing 32 to allow the user to set aspecific bevel angle. Indicator plate 68 is provided with a pair ofslots which allow for the zero adjustment of plate 68 as is well knownin the art.

The present miter saw 10 also incorporates two additional featureswithin housing assembly 16. These two features are a detent system 70and a positive stop system 72. Detent system 70 includes a biasingspring 74 and a ball 76. Biasing spring 74 and ball 76 are inserted intoa blind aperture 78 located within support housing 32. The ends ofaperture 78 are formed over ball 76 such that ball 76 is retained withinaperture 78 while being biased by spring 74 against the formed ends ofaperture 78. Table assembly 14 includes a pair of detents 80, FIG. 8,which are formed into the face of table assembly 14. The position ofdetents 80 are selected such that ball 76 will drop into detent 80 whenthe bevel angle for support housing 32 reaches 31.62° either side ofcenter. A bevel angle of 31.62° is desired when miter saw 10 is beingset to cut cove molding. While the present invention is illustrated ashaving only one pair of detents 80, it is within the scope of thepresent invention to provide additional detents located at additionalbevel angles which are commonly used if desired.

Referring to FIGS. 5 through 8, positive stop system 72 comprises abiasing spring 82, a stop rod 84, an override button 86 and anadjustable stop system 88. Biasing spring 82 is inserted into a steppedaperture 90 extending through support housing 32 such that it abuts thestep formed within aperture 90. Stop rod 84 is then inserted throughspring 82 and through aperture 90 trapping spring 82 between rod 84 andstepped aperture 90. A reduced diameter portion 92 of rod 84 extendsthrough housing 32 and is inserted into a slot 94 formed within overridebutton 86. Override button 86 is pivotably secured to a pair of posts 96formed as a part of housing 32 by a pair of bolts 98. Once secured toposts 96, pivoting movement of button 86 moves stop rod 84 axiallywithin housing 32 between a stop position and a release position withspring 82 biasing stop rod 84 into its stopped position.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the spring 82 shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 is a compression spring. Additionally, such persons willrecognize that the same function, i.e., biasing stop rod 84 into itsstopped position, can be achieved by springs disposed on the button 86which bias the button towards the stopped position. Further, personsskilled in the art will recognize that other means, such as elastomericmaterials and structures, can be utilized to bias the stop rod 84 intoits stopped position.

Additionally, persons skilled in the art will recognize that the stoprod 84 moves axially in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 42.However, such persons will also recognize that the stop rod 84 can beinclined in any manner, so long as it can contact the bolt 100.

When located in its stopped position, stop rod 84 extends out of housing32 and into table assembly 14 such that it can engage one of theplurality of adjustable stops 88 a shown in FIG. 8. Table assembly 14 isshown having an adjustable stop 88 a located at a 0° bevel angle and ata bevel angle of 45° on both sides of center. Each adjustable stop 88 aincludes a housing 98 and a threaded stop bolt 100. Each housing 98 isshown as an integral part of table assembly 14 but it is within thescope of the present invention to manufacture individual housings 98 andsecure them to table assembly 14 if desired. Each housing 98 defines athreaded through bore 102 into which stop bolt 100 is threadablyreceived. Threaded stop bolt 100 provides a surface for stop rod 84 tocontact when the bevel angle of housing 32 is located at about 0° orabout ±45° from the 0° bevel angle as is shown in the preferredembodiment. The adjustability of each stop 88 a is provided by thethreaded connection between bolt 100 and housing 98 and thisadjustability allows the operator to accurately set these specific bevelangles. When the bevel angle needs to be changed, handle 54 is rotatedto release housing 32 from table assembly 14 and override button 86 ispivoted on posts 96 to withdraw stop rod 84 from within table assembly14 to a position at which stop rod 84 does not contact bolt 100 orhousing 98 when housing 32 is pivoted on shaft 40.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the adjustable stops 88 amay be replaced with fixed castings on the table assembly 14. This willprovide a mechanism to stop the stop rod 84 at a lower manufacturingcost.

The table assembly 14 may further be provided with a ramp 150. The ramp150 contacts the stop rod 84 when the miter saw is beveled in aclockwise direction M, i.e., from the −45° bevel angle towards the +45°bevel angle, so tat the stop rod 84 retracts and bypasses the 0° bolt.

FIG. 9 illustrates a different adjustable stop system 88, which can beused in conjunction with the other elements of the positive stop system72. Table assembly 14 is shown having an adjustable stop 88 a located atabout a bevel angle of 45° on both sides of center, having the samefunction and adjustability as described above. In addition an adjustableguide plate 113 is provided to stop the stop rod 84 when the bevel angleof the housing 32 is located at about 0°. The guide plate 113 ispreferably connected to an adjustment bolt 110.

The adjustment bolt 110 includes a housing 112. Each housing 112 isshown as an integral part of table assembly 14 but it is within thescope of the present invention to manufacture individual housings 112and secure them to table assembly 14 if desired. Each housing 112defines a threaded through bore 111 into which bolt 10 is threadablyreceived. The adjustability of the adjustment bolt 10 (and thus of theguide plate 113) is provided by the threaded connection between bolt 100and housing 98. This adjustability allows the operator to accurately setthe position of the guide plate 113, and thus the specific bevel angle.

The table assembly 14 may further be provided with ramps 150 a. Theramps 150 a contact the stop rod 84 when the miter saw is beveled backto the vertical position, i.e., from the ±45° bevel angles to the 0°bevel angle, so that the stop rod 84 retracts and slides onto guideplate 113. The stop rod 84 then engages the guide plate 113 by extendinginto hole 113 a. When the bevel angles needs to be changed, handle 54 isrotated to release housing 32 from table assembly 14 and override button86 is pivoted on posts 96 to withdraw stop rod 84 from within tableassembly 14 to a position at which stop rod 84 does not engage guideplate 113 via hole 113 a when housing 32 is pivoted on shaft 40.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another adjustable stop system 88, which can beused in conjunction with the other elements of the positive stop system72. Like the stop system shown in FIG. 9, this system has an adjustableguide plate 115. The guide plate 115 is preferably connected to at leastone adjustment bolt 110. Unlike the guide plate 113, the guide plate 115has a plurality of holes 115 a, for the stop rod 84 to contact when thebevel angle of housing 32 is located at about 0° or about ±45° from the0° bevel angle. Nevertheless, operation of the system is substantiallysimilar to the stop system of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a second embodiment of positive stopsystem 72 comprises a biasing spring 82, a stop rod 84, an overridehandle 114 and a stop system, preferably one of the stop systems shownin FIGS. 8 through 10. Biasing spring 82 is inserted into a steppedaperture 90 extending through the housing 32 such that it abuts the stepformed within aperture 90. Stop rod 84 is then inserted through spring82 and through aperture 90. The housing 32 has a plaque 117, which maybe built separate to or integrated with the housing 32. Spring 82 istrapped between plaque 117 and the stop rod 84.

A reduced diameter portion 92 of rod 84 extends through housing 32 andis inserted through a slot in plaque 117. An override handle 114 is thenattached to the portion of rod 84 extending through plaque 117.

Further, stop rod 84 has a helical groove 116 disposed on its body, thatengages a stop 115 in housing 32. Accordingly, rotational movement ofhandle 114, for example, in a clockwise direction, i.e., along directionA, rotates stop rod 84. Because of the engagement between the stop 115and the rod groove 116, stop rod 84 moves axially while rotating, as ina screwing action, within housing 32 between a stop position and arelease position with spring 82 biasing stop rod 84 into its stoppedposition.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the spring 82 shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 is a compression spring. Additionally, such persons willrecognize that the same function, i.e., biasing stop rod 84 into itsstopped position, can be achieved by rotational springs disposed on thestop rod 84 and/or handle 114, which force the rod 84 to rotate towardsthe stopped position. Further, persons skilled in the art will recognizethat other means, such as elastomeric materials and structures, can beutilized to bias the stop rod 84 into its stopped position.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a third embodiment of positive stop system72 comprises, like the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, abiasing spring 82, a stop rod 84, an override handle 114 and a stopsystem, preferably one of the stop systems shown in FIGS. 8 through 10.The arrangement and operation of the third embodiment is similar to theone illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. Accordingly, the description of thesecond embodiment should be referred to when studying this embodiment.

Unlike in the second embodiment, a separate stop 119 is preferablydisposed in the housing 32. Spring 82 is then trapped between stop 119and the stop rod 84. Further, the helical groove 116 is disposed towardsthe rear of stop rod 84, so that it can engage a stop 118 disposed inplaque 117. Nevertheless, operation of the third embodiment is similarto that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a fourth embodiment of positive stopsystem 72 comprises, like the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12,a biasing spring 82, a stop rod 84, an override handle 114 and a stopsystem, preferably one of the stop systems shown in FIGS. 8 through 10The arrangement and operation of the fourth embodiment is similar to theone illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. Accordingly, e description of thesecond embodiment should be referred to when studying this embodiment.

Unlike in the second embodiment, plaque 117 is provided with guide 120.Furthermore, stop rod 84 is provided with two pins 121, which form achannel, or thread, that engages guide 120. The combination of the pins121 and guide 120 provide the same function as the combination of thehelical groove 116 and stop 115 i.e., convert rotational handle movementinto axial stop rod movement. Accordingly, operation of the fourthembodiment is similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and12.

Referring to FIGS. 17 through 19, a fifth embodiment of positive stopsystem 72 comprises a biasing spring 182, a stop rod 84, an overridehandle 114 and a stop system 88, preferably the stop system shown inFIG. 8. Biasing spring 182 is attached to stop rod 84 at one end and tothe housing 32 at another end.

The housing 32 has a plaque 117, which may be built separate to orintegrated with the housing 32. A reduced diameter portion 92 of rod 84extends through housing 32 and is inserted through a slot in plaque 117.A handle 114 is then attached to the portion of rod 84 extending throughplaque 117.

Further, stop rod 84 has a radial groove 123 disposed on its body, thatengages a stop 115 in housing 32. The combination of the groove 123 andthe stop 115 ensure that the rod 84 moves rotationally, rather thanaxially. Persons skilled in the art will recognize other means toachieve the same function.

Stop rod 84 has a step 122 at its distal end. As shown in FIG. 19, thestep 122 is provided so that, upon rotation of rod 84, the step 122 willeither bypass or contact the stop 88 a. The spring 182 biases the rod 84towards a contacting position.

Accordingly, when the bevel angle needs to be changed, handle 54 isrotated to release housing 32 from table assembly 14 and override handle114 is rotated, for example, in a counter-clockwise direction, i.e.,along direction B, to rotate step 122 to a position at which step 122does not contact bolt 100 or housing 98 when housing 32 is pivoted onshaft 40.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the spring 182 shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 is a rotational spring. Additionally, such persons willrecognize that the same function, i.e., biasing stop rod into itsstopped position, can be achieved by rotational springs disposed on thehandle 114, which force the step 122 to rotate into contact with thestops 88 a. Further, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatother means, such as elastomeric materials and structures, can beutilized to bias the stop rod 84 into its contacting position.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a sixth embodiment of positive stop system72 comprises a biasing spring 123, a stop rod 84, an override lever 186and a stop system 88, preferably the stop system shown in FIG. 8. Thestop rod 84 is disposed between pivot points 124 and 125. As shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, the housing includes two inclined surfaces 90 a and 90b, which in conjunction with pivot points 124 and 125, allow radialmovement of the stop rod 84 about the pivot points. Biasing spring 123is attached to stop rod 84 at one end and to the housing 32 at anotherend.

A reduced diameter portion 92 of rod 84 extends through housing 32 andis inserted through a slot 94 in override lever 186. The lever 186 has alower lip 186 a, which contacts the portion 92. In addition, the lever186 is slidably attached to posts 96.

Accordingly, when the bevel angle needs to be changed, handle 54 isrotated to release housing 32 from table assembly 14 and override lever186 is pulled in an upward direction, i.e., along direction Z, to rotaterod 84 about pivot points 124 and 125 to a position at which rod doesnot contact bolt 100 or housing 98 when housing 32 is pivoted on shaft40.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the spring 182 shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 is a compression spring. Additionally, such persons willrecognize that the same function, i.e., biasing stop rod 84 into itsstopped position, can be achieved by linear spring pushing or pullinglever 186. Further, persons skilled in the art will recognize that othermeans, such as elastomeric materials and structures, can be utilized tobias the stop rod 84 into its stopping position.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, a seventh embodiment of positive stopsystem 72 comprises, like the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21,a biasing spring 123, a stop rod 84, an override lever 186 and a stopsystem, preferably the stop system shown in FIG. 8. The arrangement andoperation of the seventh embodiment is similar to the one illustrated inFIGS. 20 and 21. Accordingly, the description of the sixth embodimentshould be referred to when studying this embodiment.

Unlike in the sixth embodiment, pivot points 124 and 125 are notpresent. Instead, the stop rod 84 has a pivot pin 126 about which thestop rod 84 rotates. Accordingly, operation of the seventh embodiment issimilar to that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, an eighth embodiment of positive stopsystem 72 comprises a biasing spring 123, a stop rod 84, an overridelever 127 and a stop system 88, preferably the stop system shown in FIG.8. The stop rod 84 is connected to the override lever 127 at a pivotaxis 127 a. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the housing includes aninclined surface 90 b, which in conjunction with radial movement ofoverride lever 127 about pivot axis 127 a, allows radial movement of thestop rod 84 about the pivot axis 127 a. Biasing spring 123 is attachedto stop rod 84 at one end and to the housing 32 at another end.

Accordingly, when the bevel angle needs to be changed, handle 54 isrotated to release housing 32 from table assembly 14 and override lever127 is rotated, for example, in a clockwise direction, i.e., alongdirection Y, to rotate rod 84 about pivot axis 127 a to a position atwhich rod does not contact bolt 100 or housing 98 when housing 32 ispivoted on shaft 40.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the spring 123 shown inFIGS. 24 and 25 is a compression spring. Additionally, such persons willrecognize that the same function, i.e., biasing stop rod 84 into itsstopped position, can be achieved by a rotational spring pushing orpulling lever 127. Further, persons skilled in the art will recognizethat other means, such as elastomeric materials and structures, can beutilized to bias the stop rod 84 into its stopping position.

Referring to FIGS. 26 through 30, positive stop system 72 comprises abiasing spring 82, a stop rod 84, and an overridable, adjustable stopsystem 88′. Biasing spring 82 is inserted into a stepped aperture 90extending through support housing 32 such that it abuts the step formedwithin aperture 90. Stop rod 84 is then inserted through spring 82 andthrough aperture 90 trapping spring 82 between rod 84 and steppedaperture 90.

The housing 32 has a plaque 117, which may be built separate to orintegrated with the housing 32. A reduced diameter portion 92 of rod 84extends through housing 32 and is inserted through a slot in plaque 117.

When located in its stopped position, stop rod 84 extends out of housing32 and into table assembly 14 such that it can engage one of theplurality of adjustable stops 88 c shown in FIG. 26. Table assembly 14is shown having an adjustable stop 88 c located at about a 0° bevelangle and at a bevel angle of about 45° on both sides of center.

Each adjustable stop 88 c preferably has a threaded body 131, a stop pin128 disposed within the threaded body 131, and a pin 129 at a distal endof the stop pin 128. In addition, the adjustable stop 88 c preferablyhas a spring 130 disposed between the stop pin 128 and the threaded body131. The threaded body 131 preferably has a long channel 132, alongwhich the pin 129 can slide.

As shown in FIG. 29 b, the stop pin 129 can be retracted by pulling outthe stop pin 128 from the threaded body 131, until the pin 129 contactsthe end of the channel 132. In order to put the stop pin 128 in thestopping position, the stop pin 128 is pushed into the threaded body131. The pin 129 will maintain the stop pin in the stopping position byriding along the edge of the threaded body 131. However, it may bepreferable to provide a short channel 134 on the threaded body 131,where the pin 129 can lock into, as shown in FIG. 29 a. The spring 130will ensure that the pin 129 is kept at the end of the respectivechannel.

In addition, each adjustable stop 88 c includes a housing 136. Eachhousing 136 is shown as an integral part of table assembly 14 but it iswithin the scope of the present invention to manufacture individualhousings 136 and secure them to table assembly 14 if desired. Eachhousing 136 defines a threaded through bore 135 into which the threadedbody 131 is threadably received. The stop pin 128 provides a surface forstop rod 84 to contact when the bevel angle of housing 32 is located atabout 0° or about ±45° from the 0° bevel angle as is shown in thepreferred embodiment.

The adjustability of each stop 88 c is provided by the threadedconnection between the threaded body 131 and housing 98 and thisadjustability allows the operator to accurately set these specific bevelangles. An operator need only to lock the stop pin 128 in eitherchannel, and lodge a wrench into cavity 133 to adjust the bevel angles.

When the bevel angle needs to be changed, handle 54 is rotated torelease housing 32 from table assembly 14 and stop pin 128 is rotated sothat pin 129 leaves the channel 134 and slides along channel 132. Stoppin 128 is pulled out until the pin 129 hits the end of channel 132. Thestop rod 84 thus does not contact stop pin 128 or housing 98 whenhousing 32 is pivoted on shaft 40. If the operator wants to return thestop pin 128 into the stopping position, the operator needs only to pushand rotate the stop pin 128 so that pin 129 lodges itself within channel134.

The table assembly 14 may further be provided with a ramp 150. The ramp150 contacts the stop rod 84 when the miter saw is beveled in aclockwise direction M, i.e., from the ±45° bevel angle towards the +45°bevel angle, so that the stop rod 84 retracts and bypasses the 0° bolt.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the present embodimentmay be implemented with the override button 86 illustrated in FIGS. 6and 7, instead of plaque 117. This would allow the operator to withdrawthe stop rod 84 to bypass the adjustable stops 88 c and/or to disablethe adjustable stops 88 c. Furthermore, if the override button 86 isused, the adjustable stops 88 c may be replaced with the adjustablestops 88 a.

Persons skilled in the art will also recognize that spring 130 need notbe disposed between stop pin 128 and threaded body 131. Instead, thespring 130 may be disposed between the stop pin 128 and the table 14.

Persons skilled in the art may also recognize that the stop rod 84 maybe fixed or may even be a casting in the housing 32 which extends intothe table 14.

Referring to FIGS. 31 through 33, a tenth embodiment of positive stopsystem 72 comprises a biasing spring 82, a stop rod 84 and a stopsystem, preferably one of the stop systems shown in FIGS. 8 through 10.Biasing spring 82 is inserted into a stepped aperture 90 extendingthrough the housing 32 such that it abuts the step formed withinaperture 90. Stop rod 84 is then inserted through spring 82 and throughaperture 90.

The housing 32 has a plaque 117, which may be built separate to orintegrated with the housing 32. Spring 82 is trapped between plaque 117and the stop rod 84. A reduced diameter portion 92 of rod 84 extendsthrough housing 32 and is inserted through a slot in plaque 117.

An override rod 138 is provided through the housing 32. The axis of theoverride rod 138 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the axisof the stop rod 84. As shown in FIG. 33, the override rod 138 isprovided with a rack 140 of teeth, which engage a pinion section 139 ofthe stop rod 84

Further, stop rod 84 has a helical groove 116 disposed on its body, thatengages a stop 115 in housing 32. Accordingly, linear movement of theoverride rod 138, for example, along direction X, will cause therotation of stop rod 84. Because of the engagement between the stop 115and the rod groove 116, stop rod 84 moves axially while rotating, as ina screwing action, within housing 32 between a stop position and arelease position with spring 82 biasing stop rod 84 into its stoppedposition.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the spring 82 shown inFIGS. 31 and 32 is a compression spring. Additionally, such persons willrecognize that the same function, i.e., biasing stop rod 84 into itsstopped position, can be achieved by rotational springs disposed on thestop rod 84, or linear springs which bias the override rod 138 in thedirection opposite to direction X, which force the rod 84 to rotateFurther, persons skilled in the art will recognize that other means,such as elastomeric materials and structures, can be utilized to biasthe stop rod 84 into its stopped position.

Referring to FIGS. 34 through 36, an eleventh embodiment of positivestop system 72 comprises a biasing spring 82, a stop rod 84 and a stopsystem, preferably one of the stop systems shown in FIGS. 8 through 10Biasing spring 82 is inserted into a stepped aperture 90 extendingthrough the housing 32 such that it abuts the step formed withinaperture 90. Stop rod 84 is then inserted through spring 82 and throughaperture 90.

The housing 32 has a plaque 117, which may be built separate to orintegrated with the housing 32. Spring 82 is trapped between plaque 117and the stop rod 84. A reduced diameter portion 92 of rod 84 extendsthrough housing 32 and is inserted through a slot in plaque 117.

An override lever 141 is provided through the housing 32. The rotationalaxis of the override lever 141 is preferably substantially perpendicularto the axis of the stop rod 84. As shown in FIG. 36, the override lever141 is provided with a pinion section 143, which engages a rack 142 ofteeth disposed on the stop rod 84.

Accordingly, because of the engagement of the rack 142 and pinion 143,rotational movement of the override lever 138, for example, alongdirection W, is converted into linear movement of stop rod 84. Thus,stop rod 84 moves axially within housing 32 between a stop position anda release position with spring 82 biasing stop rod 84 into its stoppedposition.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the spring 82 shown inFIGS. 34 and 35 is a compression spring. Additionally, such persons willrecognize that the same function, i.e., biasing stop rod 84 into itsstopped position, can be achieved by rotational springs disposed on thestop rod 84 and/or on the override lever 141. Further, persons skilledin the art will recognize that other means, such as elastomericmaterials and structures, can be utilized to bias the stop rod 84 intoits stopped position.

The above detailed description describes different embodiments of thepresent invention. Persons skilled in the art may recognize otheralternatives to the means disclosed herein, such as using non-adjustablefixed castings instead of the adjustable stops 88 a, or placing theadjustable stops 88 a on the housing 32, while placing the stop rod 84,and/or the means to retract the rod, on the table 14. Similarly, personsskilled in the art will recognize that a knob can be placed on the stoprod 84 to manually withdraw it from the stopping position. However, allthese additions and/or alterations are considered to be equivalents ofthe present invention

1. A miter saw comprising: a table on which a workpiece is placed; amiter saw unit supporting a saw blade and having a motor for rotatablydriving said saw blade; a housing pivotally supporting said miter sawunit related to said table in such a manner that said miter saw unit isat least laterally pivotable; and a bevel mechanism for selectivelydetermining the lateral position of said miter saw unit at any of aplurality of pivoted positions including a vertical position where saidsaw blade is positioned substantially vertically relative to said table,and leftward and rightward pivoted positions where said blade isinclined laterally leftwardly and laterally rightwardly from saidvertical position; said bevel mechanism comprising a movable rod andthree fixed stop members, said rod being operable to move between afirst rod position abutting one of said fixed stop members and a secondrod position not abutting said one of said fixed stop members so as topermit the lateral pivotal movement of said miter saw unit; a first oneof said fixed stop members being disposed so that the rod abuts saidfirst fixed stop member when the miter saw unit is at the verticalposition; a second one of said fixed stop members being disposed so thatthe rod abuts said second fixed stop member when the miter saw unit isleftwardly pivoted at a first predetermined angle from the verticalposition; and a third one of said fixed stop members being disposed sothat the rod abuts said third fixed stop member when the miter saw unitis rightwardly pivoted at a second predetermined angle from the verticalposition.
 2. The miter saw of claim 1, wherein said movable rod ismounted on the housing which pivots laterally about an axis which saidmiter saw unit and said fixed stop members are mounted on said table. 3.The miter saw of claim 2, wherein said movable rod moves between saidfirst and second rod positions in a direction parallel to the axis aboutwhich said miter saw unit laterally pivots.
 4. The miter saw of claim 1,further comprising a spring for normally maintaining the movable rod atsaid first rod position.
 5. The miter saw of claim 1, further comprisinga biasing means for normally maintaining the movable rod at said firstrod position.
 6. The miter saw of claim 1, wherein at least one of saidthree stop members is a bolt.
 7. The miter saw of claim 1, wherein saidbolt has one end which abuts said rod at the first rod position.
 8. Themiter saw of claim 1, wherein said bolt abuts said rod at the firstposition so that an axis of said bolt is positioned perpendicular to anaxis of the rod.
 9. The miter saw of claim 1, wherein the housingvertically pivotally supports said miter saw unit.
 10. The miter saw ofclaim 1, wherein said first predetermined angle is about 45°.
 11. Themiter saw of claim 1, wherein said second predetermined angle is about45°.
 12. A miter saw comprising: a table on which a workpiece is placed;a miter saw unit supporting a saw blade and having a motor for rotatablydriving said saw blade; a housing pivotally supporting said miter sawunit related to said table in such a manner that said miter saw unit isat least laterally pivotable; and a bevel mechanism for selectivelydetermining the lateral position of said miter saw unit at any of aplurality of pivoted positions including a vertical position where saidsaw blade is positioned substantially vertically relative to said table,and leftward and rightward pivoted positions where said blade isinclined laterally leftwardly and laterally rightwardly from saidvertical position; said bevel mechanism comprising a rod and three stopmembers, at least one of said stop members being operable to movebetween a first position abutting said rod and a second position notabutting said rod so as to permit the lateral pivotal movement of saidmiter saw unit; a first one of said stop members being disposed so thatthe rod abuts said first stop member when the miter saw unit is at thevertical position; a second one of said stop members being disposed sothat the rod abuts said second stop member when the miter saw unit isleftwardly pivoted at a first predetermined angle from the verticalposition; and a third one of said stop members being disposed so thatthe rod abuts said third stop member when the miter saw unit isrightwardly pivoted at a second predetermined angle from the verticalposition.
 13. The miter saw of claim 12, wherein said rod is mounted onthe housing which pivots laterally about an axis which said miter sawunit and said stop members are mounted on said table.
 14. The miter sawof claim 12, wherein at least one of said three stop members is a bolt.15. The miter saw of claim 14, wherein said bolt has one end which abutssaid rod at the first rod position.
 16. The miter saw of claim 14,wherein said bolt abuts said rod at the first position so that an axisof said bolt is positioned perpendicular to an axis of the rod.
 17. Themiter saw of claim 12, wherein the housing vertically pivotally supportssaid miter saw unit.
 18. The miter saw of claim 12, wherein said firstpredetermined angle is about 45°.
 19. The miter saw of claim 12, whereinsaid second predetermined angle is about 45°.
 20. A miter sawcomprising: a table on which a workpiece is placed; a miter saw unitsupporting a saw blade and having a motor for rotatably driving said sawblade; a housing pivotally supporting said miter saw unit related tosaid table in such a manner that said miter saw unit is at leastlaterally pivotable; and a bevel mechanism for selectively determiningthe lateral position of said miter saw unit at any of a plurality ofpivoted positions including a vertical position where said saw blade ispositioned substantially vertically relative to said table, and leftwardand rightward pivoted positions where said blade is inclined laterallyleftwardly and laterally rightwardly from said vertical position; saidbevel mechanism comprising a rod and three stop members, said stopmembers being operable to move between a first position abutting saidrod and a second position not abutting said rod so as to permit thelateral pivotal movement of said miter saw unit; a first one of saidstop members being disposed so that the rod abuts said first stop memberwhen the miter saw unit is at the vertical position; a second one ofsaid stop members being disposed so that the rod abuts said second stopmember when the miter saw unit is leftwardly pivoted at a firstpredetermined angle from the vertical position; and a third one of saidstop members being disposed so that the rod abuts said third stop memberwhen the miter saw unit is rightwardly pivoted at a second predeterminedangle from the vertical position.